District Attorney Richard Johnson said more double-dipping discovered by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office and involve expenses billed to the DeSoto School Board BESE.

MANSFIELD – A DeSoto Parish grand jury once again will be called upon to consider alleged wrongdoing by state education board member Walter Lee.

The grand jury will convene Thursday to hear evidence in two additional double-billing violations. District Attorney Richard Johnson said they were discovered by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office and involve expenses billed to the DeSoto Parish School Board and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Lee, 79, of Shreveport, retired in November 2012 as superintendent of the DeSoto Parish School District. He continues to serve as an elected member of BESE.

A grand jury first indicted Lee in January on charges of felony theft, public contract fraud and malfeasance in office in connection with expense and reimbursement irregularities outlined in an audit that also mirrored findings in an investigation by The Times.

Records indicate Lee billed the School Board and BESE for the same fuel and lodging expenses. He’s also accused of personally benefiting from the return of the leased vehicle and intentionally performing his duties as superintendent in an unlawful manner.

In July, the Louisiana Board of Ethics filed its own charges against Lee, alleging he violated state laws similar to those cited in the criminal investigation. Ethics attorneys say as a public servant Lee should not have participated in transactions in which he financially benefited.

Lee has pleaded not guilty to the charges outlined in the indictment. A pretrial conference is set Oct. 9 and trial date on Oct. 27.

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